National Treasure Film Review




    National Treasure is a 2004 film about the character Ben Gates, played by Nicolas Cage, and his journey to search for a rumored treasure dating back to the creation of the United States. Joining an expedition led by fellow treasure hunter Ian Howe (Sean Bean), Gates finds an ice-locked Colonial ship in the Arctic Circle that contains a clue linking the treasure to the Declaration of Independence. But when Howe betrays him, Gates has to race to get to the document ahead of his so-called colleague. This film is categorized as an action-adventure film with elements of mystery and historical fiction. The movie blends real historical facts with a fictional treasure hunt narrative, resulting in an entertaining and intriguing story.

    Overall, I found National Treasure to be a fun and engaging movie. It was a lighthearted, fast-paced adventure with a likable cast and an intriguing plot.. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece visually or story-telling-wise like Everything Everywhere All at Once, it succeeds in delivering a plot/comedic ride for audiences looking for escapism and adventure.

    What I found most engaging was the film’s use of American history as a backdrop for the treasure hunt. The idea of hidden clues in historical documents and landmarks like the Declaration of Independence or Independence Hall was both clever and imaginative. Nicolas Cage, as Benjamin Franklin Gates, brings a quirky charm to the role of the relentless treasure seeker. The film’s pace, with its constant riddles and revelations, kept me interested from start to finish.

    One particular scene that stood out to me was when the character Abigail Chase, played by Diane Kruger, is momentarily kidnapped and put into the back of a van, Ben and the rest of his team chase after them in hopes of getting her back. During the chase scene, both cars drive directly in front of  Capitol Hill, located in Washington, D.C. This scene stuck out to me because Capitol Hill symbolizes American democracy, the nation's legislative branch, and a monument to the principles upon which the country was founded. This is directly linked to the plot of the movie, but it also creates a great contrast between what is supposed to be something that represents political freedom and American patriotism, to illegal activity. It shows how even if something is built in good faith and supposed to represent and reflect a certain look on America, others can destroy that and tarnish that image. Not only did this scene display that contrast between good and bad it was also great cinematography. 
 




    In the end, National Treasure is not a movie to be overanalyzed but rather enjoyed as a fun, family-friendly adventure. It doesn’t break new ground in filmmaking, but it delivers exactly what it promises: an engaging treasure hunt with a patriotic twist. I would rate the film a 7/10.

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